Since 1995. #1 in Snow
Niseko-based SkiJapan.com's Operations Manager Anthony Trovatello honed his recruitment and training skills whilst he was associated with Perisher (the largest alpine resort in the southern hemisphere) and Rebel Sport- Australia's largest sports retailer.
Trovatello said: "Each year we select the best candidates from countries representative of our customers. Obviously Australians are the largest number of employees as that's where many of our skiers and boarders come from.
"The lengthy process of selecting the appropriate seasonal staff begins with an international "recruitment call", followed by a request to complete an online application and resume. We then create a short list of yes/maybe/no folders and carry out Skype Video interviews that could last up to one hour. The successful candidates swell our number of year-round employees to about 150 when they arrive in late November.
Paul Lorenz, head of SkiJapan.com's Niseko-based ski school, and a member of the ski school at Thredbo, said:" Due to massive increase in bookings Niseko Base Snowsports is providing an opportunity for Australian instructors who had been waiting for at least two seasons to get a job with us. Word got out on social media that there were openings and we received nearly 500 applications.
"The living situation provided to our instructors is excellent. Two people share a room in lodge-style accommodation. And unlike other resorts elsewhere they are in the heart of the village and they can ski to work and ski home."
"By developing strong relationships with HR managers in southern hemisphere ski resorts we provide each other with great staff and cross-promote our respective recruitment drives. If we create year-round seasonal employment opportunities the skill level of seasonal employees (who take up a position in alternative hemispheres) is enhanced," says Trovatello.
"It also eases the quest to secure focused individuals who will enrich their lives after working in a resort such as Niseko.
"Part of the five day induction process the new SkiJapan.com employees are taken on a shopping trip to Kutchan where they can purchase groceries and other items that will set them up for the season. They also participate in a cultural trip to Otaru (which is very popular) where they actually make sushi, visit a Sake Brewery, old Japanese fishing mansion and visit a large array of Japanese stores.
"Seasonal staff working at other Niseko companies envy the SkiJapan.com employees because they receive more in-depth training than anyone else.
"Although we do get a high return rate of staff, due to the visa laws, every second year we have recruit a number of new people to carry out roles from front desk positions to ski instructors. Australians can actually work two winters on a working holiday visa but our employees from New Zealand, Canada and UK are only allowed to work one winter season.
"We can sponsor instructors who have had nine seasons (over four to five years) and front desk staff with ten years experience."
